Today we have a post from Hannah Wise on how to cultivate mindfulness during a busy season. Hannah is a compassionate therapist at Anchored Counseling Co., dedicated to helping individuals reconnect with themselves and their bodies. She values empathy, authenticity, and vulnerability in her therapeutic relationships, aiming to create a safe and collaborative space for healing and recovery. Hannah believes in the inherent beauty and worth of all bodies, emphasizing their empowerment in overcoming daily challenges.
Specializing in eating disorders, body image concerns, women’s issues, trauma, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and OCD, Hannah employs a variety of therapeutic approaches. She is proficient in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Somatic Experiencing, mindfulness, and family therapy, tailoring her methods to meet the unique needs of her clients.
Hannah is deeply committed to walking alongside her clients on their journey of reconnection and self-discovery, offering her expertise and support every step of the way. We hope you enjoy today’s post from Hannah on how to cultivate mindfulness during a busy season!
Summer often feels like a whirlwind of activities—vacations, social gatherings, and endless to-do lists. While these events make summer a vibrant and exciting time, they can also leave us feeling constantly on the move. Before we know it, the season changes, and we’re left wondering where the time went. That’s why cultivating mindfulness during a busy season like summer is so important. By practicing mindfulness, we can be more present in the fleeting moments and attune ourselves to our own needs. So, how can you incorporate mindfulness into your daily life during this bustling time?
Pause and Notice the External
Have you ever arrived home after a long day and realized you don’t remember much of the drive? This happens because when we’re tired, overwhelmed, or stressed, our brains tend to check out as a protective mechanism. A simple way to pull yourself back into the present moment is by noticing what’s happening around you. It might feel odd at first, but try speaking out loud about what you see or even touching objects around you. Engaging multiple senses makes it easier to stay mindful. For example, during your daily commute, get curious about the streets you travel. Notice the street signs, the colors of the cars passing by, and the pedestrians. Maybe even roll down the windows to feel the fresh air. This practice can help ground you in the present and bring a sense of calm amid the busyness.
Notice the Internal
Once you’ve grounded yourself in the external environment, it’s time to turn your attention inward. This can be more challenging because we often avoid our internal cues. It might also bring up difficult emotions, but these internal signals are essential as they provide valuable information about our needs. Remember, your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations are not to be judged—they’re simply cues that help you understand yourself better. To practice this, ask yourself questions like: What thoughts, feelings, and urges am I noticing? What might have triggered these sensations? Do I physically feel these sensations in a specific part of my body? This self-inquiry can deepen your understanding of your emotional state and guide your actions.
Apply the Information
Now that you’ve identified your thoughts, feelings, and needs, use this information to ground yourself in the present and prepare for the future. For example, if you have a weekend full of social events ahead, take a moment to check in with your social battery—your capacity for engaging with others. If you’ve had a quiet week, you might feel energized and excited about the upcoming events. But if your week has been demanding, socializing might feel draining. In that case, listen to your internal cues and consider adjusting your plans to honor your needs. This practice of mindfulness helps ensure that you’re not just moving through life but fully living in each moment.
Mindfulness is an invaluable skill that can enhance your well-being, especially during busy times. If you’re interested in learning more about mindfulness and how to incorporate it into your daily life, I recommend following @headspace on Instagram and exploring their app. It offers guided meditations, podcasts, peaceful sleep sounds, and mindful movement guides to support your mindfulness journey.
I’ll leave you with this affirmation: “The sense of presence leads to enjoying life at a deeper level.”
You’ve got this!
Hannah
We hope you found Hannah’s insights on how to cultivate mindfulness during a busy season. If her message resonated with you, this could be the perfect time to take meaningful steps toward your healing and peace. To initiate your work with Hannah, please feel free to call our office at 615.510.3797 or click here to learn more.
